This concept includes 8 individual cubicles including 1 Changing Place, 2 accessible, 4 ambulant and 1 standard cubicles which maintains the increased level of service and provision of an equitable and accessible amenity.

• The City has set a precedent of designing unisex (or gender neutral) toilets at a number of travel routes and high use community facilities. e.g. Axedale, Redesdale, Huntly, Crusoe no 7, Maiden Gully, Long Gully splash park and Eaglehawk Canterbury Park.

• Research supports that uni-sex toilet cubicles provide flexibility and shorter wait times in high use areas, significantly reducing wait times for users.
• Uni-sex toilets support people with different social, cultural and demographic preferences including but not limited to; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LBGTI) community.
• Individual cubicles with clear visibility provide an increased level of safety for users.
• The design principle of the Elmore facility provides basins in each cubicle to allow the person’s visit and handwashing in the safety of a locked space.
• ‘Universal design’ is a design philosophy that ensures that products, buildings, environments and experiences are innately accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of their age, level of ability, cultural background, or any other differentiating factors that contribute to the diversity of our communities

Accommodating basins in each cubicle allows the safety and privacy of a person’s entire visit, while in safety of a locked space.

• Changing Places provide suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.
• Changing Places enable many people with high support needs to enjoy the day-to-day activities that many of us take for granted, such as going on an outing or trip or attending social and family events.
• Changing Places are advertised on an Australia wide website to provide up to date information.
• Changing Places require a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) in order to use the facility. MLAKs have been fitted to many Changing Places across Australia.

Changing Places facilities provide:

• a height-adjustable adult-sized change table
• a track hoist system
• a centrally-located peninsula toilet
• circulation spaces for users and carers
• an automatic door with a large opening, and
• a privacy screen.

• From 1 May 2019, the National Construction Code (NCC 2019) requires a new type of public toilet called ‘Accessible Adult Change Facilities’ (a Changing Place) to be included in certain classes of public buildings.
• Changing places allow people with high support needs to fully participate in the community.

This may include people with an acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, and motor neurone disease, as well as many other people with a disability.

The concept plan works with the existing building footprint to respect the heritage backdrop of the railway station. The inclusion of uni-sex toilet cubicles provides flexibility and shorter wait times with fewer toilets.

• Construction is anticipated to commence February 2023 with anticipated completion June 2024
• Portable toilets including one accessible will be provided during construction.

• The final appearance of the building will include a laser cut screen mesh and may include a mural on a side wall. Community input will be requested on design themes.
• Further consultation with key stakeholders will be undertaken during the detail design phase of the project to explore opportunities relating to murals and screen designs.

• A variety of comments were received regarding the appearance of the building. Many people preferred a modern appearance, while others requested a brick or heritage aesthetic.
• Heritage Victoria generally recommends a simple modern appearance, rather than a replica heritage look.
• The final materials will consider durability and functionality, as well as incorporating suitable options to consider community and Heritage Victoria advice.

Although the image shows the building surrounded by grass, the toilet will be connected to paths on both sides for easy access.